TOPIC: Dealing with home owner

Had a question, and if it's been asked before, let me know where I can look at the responses.  I had the owner of the house I inspected yesterday call me and ask for a copy of the report.  I was always under the impression that it's between my clients and myself since they paid for it.  I told her that but she was persistent, so I said I'd speak to my clients and see what they wanted to do.  I'm leaning toward saying no, that it's not my policy to give the report away, or if she wants it badly enought, that she can pay my fee for the inspection.  Thoughts?  Suggestions?  Great advice??? 

Depends. In a few states the owner is entitled to a copy of the report. In some (like Illinois), you MUST get permission or you could get your license revoked. In most states it doesn't matter what you do, but as a rule in those states most inspectors get permission from their clients first. I'm not sure about MN, but I'm sure some of the guys here will know.

Casey

The inspection report was paid for by your client. The report is prepared for your client.

I have a section on my contract where the client initials if they will release to buyer/seller/Realtor.

I would of told the seller they need to contact the buyer/client/Realtor if they want a copy of the report.

Hope this helps.

I may of also told the seller when they called if you obtain a copy of the report you need to disclose this information. (Depending on the condition and the tone of the sellers voice, like if they where pissy because of some issues that were reported)

David,
That's exactly what I told her; my contract also has checks for the client to release the report (they did, to their realtor, who is also the realtor for the seller).  Do you mean that if the home owner gets a copy of the report that they should disclose that to me, my client, etc. or that they need to disclose the items in my report...I'm a little lost there...

They would need to disclose the report to future buyers if your client decided to walk away.
But it may just be they need a copy to repair the items that your client may be requesting.

This is the realtor's job not yours.

I am not a big fan of a dual agent. Were is there loyalty to, the buyer or seller.

Check your state law. Like Dom said. In my state, Illinois, All findings are confidential. I can not share the report or findings with anyone without the clients permission.